Tell us a little about yourself. You can include your personal background, family, outside interests that are important to who you are as a person and a candidate.
I’ve lived in Lexington for 26 years; my husband and I raised our children here. I am board president of Lexington Zero Waste Collaborative and am also a member of the Lexington Waste Reduction Task Force. I am a member of a local masters swim team and I am an avid cross-country skier. I recently retired from a long career as an attorney at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Why are you running for Town Meeting?
I moved to Lexington because I viewed the town as welcome to all people, so I support policies that continue to make Lexington a welcoming community—sensible growth, affordable housing, schools that can teach to all learners (my two children are very different academically so I understand the needs of children with learning disabilities and students who meet every academic challenge). I also understand the historical significance of Lexington. Finally, protecting the environment has been a lifelong passion of mine, so I support environmental measures. I also know I serve my precinct and reach out to the residents and respond to those who reach out to me on issues that concern them.
How has your past experience — whether in your professional life, elected office, or as a community leader — prepared you for a role in Town Meeting?
I grew up in a nearby community, so I am familiar with Town Meeting and the responsibilities of being a resident in Lexington. Also, in my career at the Department of Environmental Protection, I learned to be cognizant of how state policies impact municipalities. I also learned the importance of seeking comment from the public before implementing policies and balancing the needs of different constituents. Finally, I am president of the board of Lexington Zero Waste Collaborative, a local non-profit focused on measures to reduce waste.
At last year’s Town Meeting, I questioned the town’s plan to redesign one of the center parking lots. The town felt the lot design could be improved for better use and traffic flow. However, the town’s design plan would not incorporate designing for future solar panels over the lot. I believe I politely raised the issue to redesign the lot for possible future installation of solar panels. It didn’t make sense to me to pay for redesigning the lot without considering possible solar panels.